Ruby Jean Swain

Ruby Jean Swain passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 10, 2026, surrounded by her children and grandchildren.

Born Ruby Jean Bales in Raven, Virginia, she later moved with her family to Norfolk, Virginia, where she attended and graduated from Norview High School. Through her church's outreach ministry to Navy service members on leave, she met Timothy David Swain. The two married and began their life together in Miami, Florida, where they welcomed three daughters. Though their marriage lasted ten years, Ruby and Tim harmoniously parented their children for the remainder of her life.

Ruby lived in Miami for 36 years before moving to the Orlando area for 10 years. She later settled in Johnson City, Tennessee, where she remained until her passing.

She was preceded in death by her father, Charles Dramon Bales; her mother, FlorieAnn Elizabeth Grimsley; her brothers, Clarence Bales and Harold Bales; and her sister, Mildred Hampton (Gene).

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Deborah Jean Lyons (Bryan), Linda Suzanne Swain, and Patti Jayne McClintock (Bill York); her grandchildren, Nicole McClintock, Shannon McClintock (Andrew Brown), Paige Feltz (Mark), Sean McClintock (Victoria), Jason Pearce, Justin Pearce (Cassidy), Jessica Greene (Stephen), and Steven Pearce (Simone Canclini); and her great-grandchildren, Alonzo Robinson, Sofia Grant, Jasper Grant, Jalen Brown, Bennet Feltz, Molly Feltz, Collin McClintock, Liam McClintock, Atticus Tyson, Matthew Greene, Teagan Ballard, Logan Vaughan, Emma Ray Vaughan, and Avianna Pearce.

Ruby was a woman of deep faith who openly shared how much she loved Jesus, her girls, and her grandchildren. She loved to sing and was part of several gospel groups throughout her life. Her home was the heart of family gatherings and always open to anyone who needed a place to stay or a warm meal. She was kind, generous, and forgiving, and she will be deeply missed by all who loved her.

A private Celebration of Life was held in honor of her life.

Trinity Memorial Centers Funeral Home (423-723-8177) is honored to serve the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.trinitymemorialcenters.com.